Monday, October 10, 2016

Hope

I skipped the second debate. Instead I changed the channel to TCM to watch Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman. And maybe that makes me a coward, but the negativity and hate and lack of respect in this election process has made part of my brain shut down. So an old Universal monster movie, that was easier viewing.

Pastrix isn't what you'd call easier reading, but it's like a balm to soothe temperaments tormented by politics. (The word pastrix is a derogatory term used for female pastors.) The timing is exactly right to read a book that says, "Whew, people are good after all."

Pastrix: the Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner and Saint is by Nadia Bolz-Weber, a Lutheran pastor in Denver. Pastrix isn't what you think. It's not preachy. Or treacly. Or written in deep incomprehensible theology. You won't find mega-churches or squeaky clean, movie star handsome Jesus in this book.

It's funny. The first line of the book: "Shit," I thought to myself, "I'm going to be late to New Testament class."

It's also profound. Bolz-Weber is a recovering alcoholic, an unlikely pastor who is
honest and profane and imperfect and best of all, human. She's like
us. Just because she's a pastor doesn't give her a FastPass to God -
she has doubts and questions like everybody else.

She doesn't try to proselytize - this is not a "do this and you'll be saved" kind of book. It's about love and loss and rejection. About looking for faith and finding it in places you'd never expect. Second chances. Third and four chances.

If you're feeling overwhelmed these days, pick up Pastrix. And read about hope.